If you are prone to independent travel, but r...
Japan
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Mar 18 - Mar 31, 2026
If you are prone to independent travel, but reluctant to be entirely on your own because of the language barrier and lack of familiarity with Japan's transportation, KimKim is the way to go. Shona did an amazing job communicating with us over 6 months prior to ask about our travel dates and style, where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see and experience. She created a trip that enabled us to be on our own and have guides and transport when we needed them.
Our guides were so helpful in explaining what we were seeing, the history, and were responsive to where we wanted to focus our attention. We visited Tokyo, Hakone area, Kyoto and Kanazawa. Each day we had a guide at least part of the day to get us to and explain various sites. In every area we visited spectacular temples, shrines, and gardens full of blossoms, ponds, bridges. The designs of these parks and gardens are what makes Japan so remarkable and memorial. Some of the other highlights included Tea Ceremony in Tokyo. Being dressed in Kimonos was not to be forgotten, and learning about true Matcha tea and mochi was enlightening.
Traveling by car to the Hakone area was an opportunity for country scenery and living. We had perfect weather to see Mt Fuji and experience our first soft ice cream. In Kyoto we made ramen at a ramen Factory, from the pasta to the chicken and broth. We had a blast. The day trip to Nara with our guide Orura Mei was unforgettable. The Todai-ji Temple and park are not to be missed, and our guide was not only helpful and knowledgeable but responsive to our needs for breaks, water, bathroom, hunger . We had Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancakes) which are our new favorite, and we walked through the older part of town through shops and residential areas away from the crowds.
In Kanazawa we had a private prepared traditional Japanese dinner and night tour with a fantastic guide whose name we forgot to write down. She went into depth about the differences between shrines and temples, and the history of geisha districts which we walked through. The dinner was superb. We also took a day trip to Shirakawago in private car. The drive through the mountains gave us another perspective of Japanese scenery and living. We walked through the town of thatched roof houses and learned the history and why it's now a UNESCO Heritage site.
All the hotels Shona booked were clean, comfortable and had easy access to transportation, sites, restaurants. Staff always tried to be helpful and were polite and professional and there was usually someone who spoke some English!
Hotel Reviews
Largest hotel in Hamamatsu. Very fancy for us. We were on 44th floor. Good location and near our grandson who we were visiting there. Good breakfast selections
We thought the hotel would be in Hakone so were disappointed it was right at the train station. That said, we had access to bus to Hakone and the hotel was comfortable, clean and had a public bath.
Nice breakfast choices
This was our favorite in terms of atmosphere and authenticity. An authentic Ryokan with futons on floor, onset on site, traditional Japanese breakfast. Breakfasts and beds on floor isn't for everyone but we appreciated the authenticity, the heavenly smells of the place, the traditional dress of staff, the fresh cherry branch decorations
Activity Reviews
Our plane was a day late so missed this. Fortunately our grandson met us in Tokyo and was able to show us the major sites we missed
Amazing because we were SO lucky with the weather! The mountain was in all its splendor. The boat ride was very short and crowded but gave other perspectives of the mountain.
We loved it but barely made it because scheduled to close to our arrival in Kyoto. Had to take a taxi in traffic. Once there the experience was a lot of fun, from them taking us to men's and women's dressing area where they did us up in full garb, then to the ceremony itself where we learned about the ancient tradition and drank true ground matcha tea and fresh made mochi. Many opportunities for pictures.
The shrine and temple was lovely, our first ones with a guide, so learned a lot about traditions of each, the different aspects of shrines and temples. we especially liked the temple in the forest. The day included several modes of transportation and lots of walking which we could not have navigated on our own. Our guide, Tomoko was knowledgeable, responsive to our questions and needs. We had a lovely lunch with her.
This was so much fun though we barely made it there because of confusing directions. The woman leading the small class of 3 couples was an excellent teacher with patience, clarity and good English.
Beauty and long walks with wonderful guide
We went back to some of the sites we were impressed with and wanted to go, like the geisha districts and the Kenrokuen Garden. Was able to tour inside a geisha house. Our guide also took us to the Samari district that we wanted to explore, as well as several arts and craft shops in the area. We were able to go inside replicas of a samurai and a geisha house.
The temple itself, great guide, Japanese cabbage pancakes
Walk through two geisha districts and along the river, culminating in a delicious multi course private meal with our wonderful guide whose name we neglected to write down.
Drive from Kanazawa with alpine scenery, high snow capped mountains, tunnels, thatched roof houses
Hi Karen and Roger,
Happy to know you are safely flying home. Thank you for such a good review, and I love all the amazing photos.
It was truly a pleasure assisting you with your trip, and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey. We would be more than happy to assist you with any future travel plans and hope to welcome you again soon.
Best
Shona